The Washington Nationals have been linked to J.D. Martinez at various points throughout the offseason, and he is still unsigned. Is he a realistic option?
The Washington Nationals typically make a big move in the offseason, but that has not been the case this year. However, they still have several options if they choose to do so.
Arguably the most notable remaining free agent is slugger J.D. Martinez. Although the Nats do not have an obvious need for Martinez, they have been rumored to be interested at various points throughout the offseason.
Earlier this offseason, it was reported that Martinez was seeking a deal in the $200 million range, but he is very unlikely to get his desired deal at this point. A contract closer to $120 million makes much more sense, but he does not seem inclined to sign for that little.
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For whatever reason, power has not been well-received on the free agent market. In recent years, we’ve seen sluggers, such as Mark Trumbo, struggle to garner much interest. Between the lack of interest in power hitters, Martinez’s absurd contract demands, and this year’s bizarre free agent market, there has been a perfect storm brewing against Martinez.
One of the main factors that goes into a potential Nats-Martinez pairing is the fact that he is represented by Scott Boras. Much of the Nats’ roster is comprised of Boras clients, and it would not come as a surprise if the Nats signed another one.
However, Martinez and the Nats would be a bit of a forced marriage. The Nats would undoubtedly benefit from signing the slugger, but they already have a crowded outfield.
As things currently stand, Adam Eaton, Michael Taylor, and Bryce Harper will form the Nats’ starting outfield. This is a solid group, especially if Taylor is able to build on his tremendous breakout campaign.
If Martinez were to sign with the Nats, Taylor would likely be bumped to the bench. This would also lead to Eaton moving back to center field, but he should be able to handle it.
One of the main benefits of signing Martinez, other than adding one of the best hitters in the league to an already-potent lineup, would be that he can serve as insurance for Harper.
Harper and Daniel Murphy‘s contracts both expire after 2018, and they could be playing elsewhere this time next year. This means the Nats could possibly lose two of their best hitters, and their only two left-handed power bats. Martinez is right-handed, so he could not help the lefty situation, but he would make up for the power loss.
Signing Martinez could also serve as insurance for Victor Robles. He impressed during his cup of coffee in the majors last year, and he is expected to take over in the outfield in 2019 if Harper departs, but if for whatever reason he isn’t ready, Taylor could become a starting outfielder again.
It would be a bit forced, but signing Martinez could prove to be extremely beneficial for the Nats. Unfortunately, they probably do not have the payroll to make it happen.
The Nats are already over the luxury tax threshold, and signing Martinez would come with an enormous luxury tax penalty. The Nats do not seem likely to add another lucrative contract to their payroll, especially in the outfield, but they could make a splash if they want to go all-in for 2018.
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Signing Martinez would be a huge move for the Nats, but don’t count on it happening. However, you never know when it comes to the Nats and Boras clients.